Faurlin wins the double as Rangers' lose to Newcastle.

So the last game of the season has hit us so quickly as we look back on what has been an eventful season to say the least. It was a game that had no real value but Rangers' had the chance to ruin Newcastle's championship parade.

The day started off with a text saying "pitch inspection at 10am" and just made you wonder if our famous drainage system was going to fail us once more, despite this we made our way to Loftus Road in hope that we would be able to reunite the gang for the last time this season. Despite there being a further inspection at 12 the game did go ahead and we all met up in the Blue and White bar before the game. Lofty, PK, Corp and Jenson were already enjoying a beer when Sam, Luke, Jack and myself met up with the gang for a giggle before making our way to our seats for the final time this season.

Two changes were made from the team that won at Barnsley last week. Lee Cook and Jay Simpson came in for youngsters Josh Parker and Antonio German.



Just before the game kicked off a minutes applause was held to celebrate the life of the clubs record appearance holder Tony Ingham after he passed away last week after battling an illness. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends.
The first half flew by with Rangers' enjoying the better of the possession and chances throughout. Newcastle looked as if they were going through the motions and were just playing the fixture out as there was nothing at stake.
One of the biggest cheers rung out from the gang on 22 minutes as California Hoop made an appearance and was given a standing ovation as he made his way to his seat. We thought he was trying to beat his record late appearance time of 37 minutes earlier in the season and was given a well deserved award just last Wednesday.
Half time came around with Rangers well in control and looking the better of the two sides and perhaps should've been at least a goal up after Simpson rushed an effort and passed it back to the Newcastle 'keeper after Faurlin had played a tasty 60 yard pass to pick out the Arsenal loanee.

The gang got together at half time and were more than happy with the 45 minutes that had passed and we certainly looked a lot better than the champions. Michael and Sophie joined us at interval as we all had a good giggle before having to make our way back to our seats. 3.50-4.05 on a Saturday afternoon will be very dull for the next few months and I'll look forward to when normal service resumes in August.



Me and Jenson managed to get back to our seats on time and witnessed Peter Ramage get sent off within a minute or so of the restart as he was the last man and took out Shola Ameobi when he was clean through on goal. As Ramage made his way back to the dressing room it was clear to see that the former Newcastle man was distraught at being sent off and looked to be close to tears.
Rangers continued to dominate proceedings despite the numberical disadvantage.
Tamas Priskin had a goal disallowed for offside before Rangers' counter attacked with Simpson. Rangers' top goalscorer ran through on goal and had two Rangers' players that he could've squared to and put us one up but instead he tried to steal the limelight and ended up losing the ball, allowing Newcastle to counter attack and when Joey Barton fed in sub Peter Lovenkrands before the latter dinked the ball over Cerny's head and gave the visitors a somewhat undeserved lead.
The ten men continued to battle and created more chances but once again taking those chances proved to be the achilles heel. Simpson had a glorious chance to level things up when he was one on one with Tim Krul in the Newcastle goal but failed to make the most of the opportunity.
Unfortunately the game stayed at 1-0 and Rangers' were once again left to rue missed chances and you would certainly think that this area will be looked at during the summer.

After we saw Newcastle celebrate with their fans and as they made their way off the pitch the Rangers' faithful gave the champions some applause for their efforts this season.
The Rangers' squad and management team then took to the field once more to do a lap of honour before Neil Warnock took the mic and shared his appreciation to the Rangers' supporters and left us in high sprits.

The gang then made their way to the pub to have an end of season beer (or three) and enjoyed a real good laugh, mainly at PK's expense (poor git), but it was a great way to end what has been a tough season with all that has happened at the club but now we can look forward to a summer of rebuilding and when we return for pre season in roughly two months time.

Lofty's Man of the Match has been awarded to Dusko Tosic after the left back had an absolute stormer of a game, looking solid in defence and also attacking the left wing and giving the Newcastle defenders a lot to worry about.

QPR: Cerny, Ramage, Leigertwood, Buzsaky, Gorkss, Cook (Parker 50), Faurlin, Simpson, Ephraim (Rose 77), Tosic, Priskin.

Subs: Putnins, Balanta, Brown, Oastler, German.

Red Cards: Ramage (46)

Newcastle United: Krul, Coloccini, Williamson, Barton, Guthrie (Vuckic 78), Routledge, Simpson, R. Taylor, Smith, Best (Lovenkrands 54), Ameobi (Carroll 78).

Subs: Harper, Nolan, Pancrate, Donaldson.

Goals: Lovenkrands (71)

Bookings: R. Taylor

Referee: Mr D Deadman

Attendance: 16, 819 (2980 Newcastle)


Later in the evening Alejandro Faurlin picked up an awards double at the Player of the Year dinner when he was voted as the Supporters Players of the Year and Players Player of the Year awards. Kaspers Gorkss was the runner up for the second year running.
Adel Taarabt picked up the Young Player of the Year and Goal of the Season awards as he also picked up a double at the bash in Hammersmith.


(Thanks to Louise Kingham for the photo!)

Lastly I'd just like to thank everyone for their support this year as Lofty Heights has continued to grow more and more popular as the season has gone on. Myself and Lofty fully appreciate everything and we hope to see you return over the summer during the World Cup and then once again next year as we kick off the new season.
Thank you and enjoy the summer!

U R'SSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!